What is the Data Security Standard?

Any business that processes, stores or transmits Cardmember information should take all possible precautions to protect their customers and themselves. By implementing the PCI Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) through compliance with the Data Security Operating Policy (DSOP), you can bring a higher level of confidence to your customers and your business.

American Express, working as a member of the PCI Security Standards Council, has been instrumental in the development of the PCI Data Security Standard, which sets out how to protect account payment data.

What’s your level?

While all Merchants are required to comply with the Data Security Operating Policy, American Express has established three levels based on transaction volume to determine what validation documentation is required and the frequency of submission.

The table below helps you determine your level and shows your requirements for compliance with the American Express Data Security Operating Policy.

* Level 3 Merchants need not submit Validation Documentation, but must still comply with all other provisions of the Data Security Operating Policy. View the American Express Data Security Operating Policy (PDF).

In case of breach

Data Incident Management Obligations

If you believe that Cardmember information has been compromised, immediately contact your Client Manager or call our Customer Services Team on 1800-737-8188.

You may also notify the American Express Enterprise Incident Response Program (EIRP) by filling out the Initial Notice Form and sending it via email to EIRP@aexp.com.

Step 1 is to determine your Merchant Level and documentation requirements. View the ‘What’s your level?’ tab above for this information. Depending on your level you may be asked to provide one or more of the following:

1. Annual Onsite Security Assessment Validation Documentation
The Annual Onsite Security Assessment is a detailed onsite examination of a Merchant's technical and operational systems, equipment and networks (and their components) where Cardmember information is processed, stored, or transmitted. The assessment may be performed by a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) or the Merchant, provided it is certified by the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, or principal of the Merchant. A list of assessors can be found at https://www.pcisecuritystandards.org/approved_companies_providers/qualified_security_assessors.php

The assessor completes a Report of Compliance (ROC), which provides details of the environment assessed, and the results of the assessment. The ROC contains an Attestation of Compliance (AOC) form, which the Merchant or QSA completes. American Express accepts either the AOC or executive
summary of the ROC as suitable validation documentation.

American Express accepts either the executive summary of a passing vulnerability scan, or the Attestation of Scan Compliance (AOSC) for the vulnerability scan.

Step 2 Once you have completed your validation documentation requirements please upload your documents to Trustwave using our secure portal. For instructions on how to access and use this portal you may contact Trustwave via email at americanexpresscompliance@trustwave.com, or via a toll free international number. To call from Singapore please dial 001 800 9000 1140.

In case of breach

Data Incident Management Obligations

If you believe that Cardmember information has been compromised, immediately contact your Client Manager or call our Customer Services Team on 1800-737-8188.

You may also notify the American Express Enterprise Incident Response Program (EIRP) by filling out the Initial Notice Form and sending it via email to EIRP@aexp.com.